Market Room Gives Food Bank Clients a Shopping Style Experience

In recent years, food banks across Canada have experienced an increase in clients. The pandemic and inflation significantly impacted grocery prices, leaving many families struggling, even now.

An initiative, developed after COVID-19, called the “Market Room” at The Salvation Army food bank in Truro, N.S., allows clients to have a comfortable experience when they come to pick up their food items.

“The inspiration was to give dignity back,” says Shannon Joy Skafte, community and family services worker. “It was meant so that when someone came in, no matter what space you were using in the building, it felt like they were walking into a market to get groceries.”

“Everyone gets to decide for themselves what they want to take.”

The market room is set up like a grocery store. There are shelves filled with non-perishable food items, as well as two freezers and fridges with meat, dairy, and produce options. Clients can book an appointment to come in, which allows them to do their “shopping” privately and gives them greater flexibility in choosing the food they need.

“People can come, and they can make their own empowering choices. Everyone gets to decide for themselves what they want to take. It allows for more successful meal preparation and food management,” Shannon adds.

For Salvation Army staff and volunteers, the market room brings an opportunity to interact with the guests.

“It’s probably where I get to have the most real conversations with people,” Shannon shares. “We often talk about what is happening at The Salvation Army. I let them know that we have a breakfast program where they can come and chat with someone. Or that we have Sunday services happening. So, it does give opportunities to open that door to all we can do to help.”

The location of the market room allows guests to see what goes on at The Salvation Army. The food bank is located at the back of the building, which means clients have to walk through the whole building to get there. However, a private entrance is also an option for anyone who wishes anonymity.

“People have wept in that room because they had a choice of soup.”

“Some of our clients are recovering from abuse or addiction situations, and don’t want to be seen coming into the front of our building. I get them from the back parking lot where they’ve parked, and they come in through our back door and have the same in-house experience, but just with more privacy,” Shannon says.

In the past several months, the market room has experienced an increase in clients, particularly among dual-income families, which was uncommon before. Shannon says many new guests have expressed their gratitude for the positive experiences in the market room.

“It’s a different level of gratitude. People have wept in that room because they had a choice of soup. It seems like a little thing but having a choice can be a big deal for some.”

The rise in clients looking for assistance means the food bank has to be able to keep the market well stocked.

“The need is great, and there’s only so much that we have at The Salvation Army. Having donors participating in any way will bring joy. They are that support system underneath the structure that we have,” Shannon says.

 

By Juan Romero